The Oscar winner always looks sensational on the red carpet, with the best designer clothes and flawless make-up. The 41-year-old admits she learnt all the tricks of the trade growing up around her parents, who had a salon in Madrid, Spain.

“I saw how much looking good meant to women,” she told Britain’s Boots magazine. “I also cut a lot of people’s hair, and was taught how to wax properly!”

Penelope chose a career in film rather than the beauty industry but that doesn’t mean cosmetic products don’t play a part in the process of getting into character.

“I wear a different fragrance for every character I play,” the Vanilla Sky actress explained. “But I always choose Lancôme Trésor when I’m ‘myself’ and off duty. It was the first perfume I ever wore and it has become part of my identity – I never leave home without it.”

Another thing Penélope would never step out without is mascara. Adding a layer only highlights her dark brown eyes even more.

“Mascara is the most important part of my make-up routine – it’s like a little black dress for your eyes!” she said. “These days, I like a really natural look. When I’m not working I just apply blusher and mascara, plus lipstick in a light shade. I wear a stronger eye and lip look if I’m going out or I have an event to attend.”

While Penélope enjoys getting dolled up, she is vigilant when it comes to skincare regime. She makes sure to remove all the cosmetics she has to wear for work when away from set.

“Even just one night of sleeping in it can really make a difference to my skin,” she admitted. “I also slather on a lip balm before lights out.”